May 1942

Most of our parish organisations have now held their annual meetings and members have taken up the work of another year. This is how it should be. These organisations exist for the one purpose of strengthening and extending God’s work.

We have come to a critical stage in the most terrible war the world has ever known. It has been called a war for survival. The Christian way of life which guards freedom and justice and security for for mankind is threatened. Evil forces seek to enslave mankind.

In the face of this dire threat we dare not slacken our Christian efforts. Rather we must redouble them. This is no time for nominal Christianity. Every Christian should be in his or her place in the Christian Church. There is work to be done. There is spiritual power to be sent forth from every service to strengthen our people at home and overseas. May no weakness or sickness in us, no pre-occupation with other things, make us swerve from that duty.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

E. J. RICH.

EVENING SERVICES

To comply with the lighting regulations, it has become necessary to hold all the Sunday evening services at 4 p.m. We ask for the whole-hearted co-operation of parishioners in maintaining the services. It is never pleasant to have to alter an old-established custom but the inconvenience caused us is a very small thing in days like these. We fight for the cause of righteousness. Let us show our sincerity and let us share in the creation of spiritual power essential for victory by letting nothing interfere with the duty of public worship every Sunday.

IN MEMORIAM

Mr G. H. Clarke[1] was one of the oldest settlers in the district. He saw many changes in his long life and to the end his interest in all that concerned his country never waned.

Mrs Horner[2] belonged to a pioneer family and was a keen and active member of our parish. Her health of late years had not been good but she was always bright and cheerful, and she leaves behind her the memory of a gracious personality.

Miss A. M. Brown[3] had a distinguished career as a teacher. She was a student always. Devoted to her church, she followed the idea of service, and during her last illness gave a wonderful example of patient and unselfishness in weakness and suffering.

We thank God for the life and work of these faithful Christians and the sympathy of all who will have gone out to the relatives in their bereavements.

VICARAGE

In the booklet, “Early Masterton,” reference is made to the fact that the first part of the present Vicarage was built by the first Wairarapa clergyman, the Rev. Wm. Ronaldson, who served from 1856 to 1868. The building has just been repaired and painted but the Churchwardens, in their annual report, drew attention to the fact that before many years pass the building will have to be replaced. The building is comfortable and there is no intention of issuing any appeal now or in the near future. It is just something that we have to face as we plan for the future. Still, it was rather encouraging to receive, within a few hours of the publication, of the report, bonds to the value of £20 from a parishioner who desires to remain anonymous, just to start the Vicarage Rebuilding Fund.

PARISH NOTES

Parishioners of St Matthew’s extend heartiest congratulations to the Rev. N. E. Winhall[4], C.F., son of Mr E. Winhall, Tararua Street, on being awarded the M.B.E. in recognition of his services with the Forces overseas.

Our churches were decorated beautifully for Easter Day, when there were 534 Communicants.

An inspiring private Confirmation service was held by the Bishop in St George’s Chapel, on Saturday, 28th March. A soldier and his brother and sister were confirmed.

The Bible Class dance held last month was an outstanding success. The committee and the secretaries are to be congratulated on the splendid arrangements made.

At 11 a.m. on Sunday, 17th May, members of the Masterton Rotary Club are holding their annual Church Parade at St Matthew’s Church.

Parishioners are grateful to the Rev. J. R. Higgs for his helpful and inspiring addresses given at the Three Hours’ Service on Good Friday. There was a very large congregation. We thank also the Rev. G. P. Cook for his fine message at Evensong on 19th April.

On Sunday, 19th April, three more pews were dedicated. Two given by the Misses Smith are in memory of their parents, George and Elizabeth Smith, and their grandparents, John and Mary Catt. The latter pew links our present Church with the very earliest days of Church life in Masterton. The third pew was a gift of the C.E.M.S. Fourteen pews are now in position. Another pew is now on order. This is a gift of Mr J. L. Murray.

The Badminton Club has started what promises to be another very successful season. The Club meets on Monday and Friday evening in the Parish Hall. Mr N. W. Ninnes is the secretary.

St Matthew’s Fireside Circle, at its annual meeting re-elected Miss M. McEwen as secretary. This year the Circle meets fortnightly on Mondays in the Common Room. The Circle was founded by senior members of the Girls’ Club and exists to foster fellowship and service. The secretary will be pleased to give further particulars to any who are interested.

LADIES’ GUILD

The Guild has had its annual meeting and is now meeting in the Common Room of the Parish Hall every Thursday, at 2.30 p.m. The Guild has a great record of service and all ladies interested are invited to join and help the Guild in its work. Mrs Rich is the present and Mrs Aikman the secretary.

A small committee of the Ladies’ Guild has arranged for a series of card evenings to be held in the Common Room on Wednesdays, at 7.30 p.m. Those who enjoy a quite card evening are invited to take advantage of this opportunity. These parties have now started so just come along any Wednesday.

ANNUAL MEETING

This was well attended--better than last year. The reports and balance sheets reveal a very healthy state. The work of our Church has gone forward and parishioners have given magnificent help. Under such circumstances the meeting was naturally enthusiastic and encouraging. There was an election for the Vestry. Twelve good men offered their services for the ten positions. The names of those elected appear on the front page of this Magazine. The Vicar paid a tribute to the ten years of faithful service given by Mr R. E. Maunsell, who did not seek re-appointment as Vicar’s Warden. His wise judgment and understanding sympathy had been a great help. The serving of supper by the wives of the vestrymen brought a happy and successful annual meeting to a close.

Elected officers:

Churchwardens: Messrs P. G. Ramsay and J. Ninnes

Vestrymen

Messrs R. W. Brooks,

V. H. Heath,

W. L. Hunter,

G. Hyde,

J. F. Jaine,

A. O. Jones,

C. R. Mabson,

A. H. Marsh,

R. G. Russell and

W. E. Vowell

Hon. Treasurer: Mr A. O. Jones

Hon. Secretary: Mr H. A. R. Dunderdale, Perry Street

Lay Readers: Messrs F. H. Dunderdale, J. F. Jaine and N. W. Ninnes.

Synodsmen: Messrs A. O. Jones and P. G. Ramsay

Sec. of Envelope Giving Scheme: Mr V. H. Heath, 33 Cambridge Tce.

BISHOP SELWYN

Sunday, 31st May, is being marked throughout New Zealand by special services to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Bishop Selwyn in this land. In most places Church and State alike honour the memory of that great man. He laid the foundation of the constitution of our Church and shared in forming the constitution of our land. Selwyn stands out as one of the greatest men this land has ever known. Both morning and evening services will have reference to his centenary. At 11 a.m., at St Matthew’s, our Maori brethren will join with us in commemoration of one who served and loved both races, and at this service the Rev. Hepa Taepa will be the preacher.

C.E.M.S.

The April meeting of the branch was the annual meeting. The report dealt with the activities of the past year. Mr W. L. Hunter was re-elected secretary. A paper was given by the Rev. I. C. Edwards on “Faith in God.” This was listened to with great interest by the members and Mr Edwards was thanked for his address. A good discussion followed. The next meeting of the Society will be held in the Common Room on Monday, 4th May, at 7.45 p.m. All men interested are invited.

MAGAZINE DONATIONS

Anonymous, 17/6; Mrs Keir, 5/-; Miss Francis, 3/-; Mesdames McGrath, J. Grey, Marchbank, Aikman, Jones, 2/6 each; Mrs Caldwell 2/- ; Mrs W. G. Baird, 10/-; Miss Iggulden, 5/-; Mrs H. C. Robinson, 4/-; Miss E. W. Fannin, 3/6; Mrs H. McKay, Mrs H. J. Francis, Mrs D. Allen, 3/- each; Mrs E. Selby, Junr., Mrs McMaster, 2/6 each; Mrs Latimer, 2/-.

“Church and People.”-- Mesdames Brenkley, Tregurtha, Chapman, Dohnt, Braggins, Fletcher, Aikman, Messrs F. H. Dunderdale, J. F. Jaine, C. Perry, H. A. R. Dunderdale, G. F. Knapp, Miss Sellar, 2/6 each.

CENTENARY APPEAL

Someone asked the other day, “What is happening about the promises made for the new Cathedral and Bishop’s Fighting Fund? Well, in the month of April, as far as this parish is concerned, no less than £120 15s 3d was received for the fund. The bulk of this was in redemption of promises and it is rather splendid that, at this time, when there are many calls upon people, those who promised have not forgotten their promises. Incidentally it may be mentioned that retiring collections are to be made throughout the Diocese on the Selwyn Centenary for the Centenary Appeal.

KURIPUNI NOTES

The Epiphany Guild held two very successful dances in April. It is proposed to hold these functions fortnightly. The dates for May are, 12th and 26th, at 8 p.m.

At its meeting on Thursday, 23rd April, following an appreciated programme and afternoon tea, the Guild farewelled Mrs J. G. Miller, who has gone to live in Lansdowne. The Archdeacon spoke of her long association with the Church of the Epiphany, and on behalf of the Guild made a presentation to her.

BAPTISMS

March

20 John Hember Glendining

James Boys

22 Joy Lynn Greaves

28 Peter Corran Morris

April

4 Raymond Leslie Schofield

5 Jillian Grace Baker-Clemas

Heather Betty Rigg

Kevin Alan Rigg

12 Murray Alan Norris

13 James Robert Gledstone

17 Marion Rowe

18 Ronald John Miller

26 Barbara Jane Rutherford

Audrey Rhona Frances Suisted

29 Philippa Leslie Bunny

MARRIAGES

March

21 Lawrence Leslie Howell and Margaret Janet Rossiter

28 Albert James Maxwell and Thelma Ann Killip

April

23 Albert John Huntley and Martha Elizabeth Ellis

BURIALS

March

30 George Henry Clarke

31 William Edward Toxward

April

6 Arthur George Coleman

17 Frederick Charles Davie

24 Alexandra Mary Brown

30 Jane Whiteman

Original scanned image - 121018-0004

[1] George Henry Clarke

[2] Edith Emma Horner

[3] Alexandra Mary Brown

[4] Rev. N.E. Winhall, Chaplain to the Forces, awarded an M.B.E.: Auckland Weekly News, 13 May 1942 - Record ID AWNS-19420513-22-19

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National Day of Prayer announcement and May 1942 Parish news.